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America May 26, 2026 4 mins read

“Not Guilty” Verdict Followed by Jail Suicide in Shocking New Jersey Murder 

America ı By Jackie Allen

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not guilty

A New Jersey man was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the brutal killing of his younger brother has died by apparent suicide while awaiting a court review of his mental health status. Authorities said Matthew Hertgen was discovered dead in his jail cell just days before he was scheduled to return to court following his high-profile insanity verdict.

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The disturbing case drew national attention because of the violent nature of the killing, the defendant’s documented psychotic delusions and the courtroom testimony detailing severe mental illness.

Officials have not yet released a final autopsy report, but authorities are treating the death as an apparent suicide.

Brutal Killing Resulted in Not Guilty Verdict

Matthew Hertgen had faced charges including first-degree murder, weapons offenses and animal cruelty after prosecutors said he killed his younger brother, Joseph Hertgen, inside the victim’s New Jersey home in February 2025.

Police responded after Matthew Hertgen called 911 and reported that his brother was dead on the floor of the residence.

According to investigators, officers arriving at the scene discovered Joseph Hertgen suffering from catastrophic injuries, including blunt force trauma and deep lacerations. Authorities said the victim had been attacked with both a knife and a golf club.

Investigators also reported discovering a dead cat inside the home. The animal had allegedly been beaten, stabbed and set on fire, leading to additional animal cruelty charges.

Information regarding criminal court proceedings in New Jersey can be found through the New Jersey Courts official website.

Psychologist Testified Defendant Experienced “Visions” and was Not Guilty

During the March 2026 bench trial, forensic psychologist Gianni Pirelli testified that Matthew Hertgen suffered from schizophrenia and severe psychotic delusions.

Pirelli described the defendant’s mental illness as one of the most severe cases he had encountered professionally.

According to testimony, Hertgen experienced hallucinations and religious-themed delusions beginning in 2021. The psychologist said the defendant believed he had been overtaken by a powerful spirit and struggled to distinguish reality from psychosis.

“He’s still trying to understand what all these thoughts or beliefs are,” Pirelli testified during court proceedings.

The psychologist also stated that Hertgen believed the force affecting him was stronger than medication or psychiatric treatment.

Mental health advocacy resources are available through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which provides education and support for individuals and families dealing with serious mental illness.

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Jackie Allen
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Jackie Allen

Jackie is a freelance journalist and technology geek. She worked as a telecom project director for AT&T and BellSouth. Before joining the USA Herald she has written books, articles, blogs and whitepapers. Her clients include Samsung and other technology companies.

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